Page 103 of The Only Heart that Matters
Inhaling through my nose, I release my breath and change the trajectory or our lives forever. “Knox is Sawyers' father.”
Angus doesn’t react. Doesn’t move or ask any questions. He says nothing. Does nothing for what feels like forever.
After the silence between us goes on for far too long, I dare to break it. “Can I explain?”
“Does he know?” The tone of his question gives nothing away.
“No.”
Ripping his gaze from mine, he takes his first step away from me—away from us—he walks past me on his way out of the kitchen toward the spare bedroom. I flinch when I hear the gentle click of the door shutting. The calmness with which he closed the door is more unsettling than if he had slammed it.
Frozen to the spot, I’m still standing in the middle of the kitchen when he appears again. His military duffle hangs over his shoulder. He doesn’t spare me a glance. Doesn’t say goodbye.
He simply walks out the door like I knew he would. Although I expected some sort of conversation, I always knew this was how it would end.
And just like that, it’s over. Not the fake life I’ve created here in Angus’s home, but the real life I’ve created for my son and me. There’s no way he keeps this to himself and when the familyknows I’ve kept this from them, from Knox, they’ll never forgive me.
Tired and on the verge of tipsy, but not quite, I do my best to touch up my face before joining the rest of my favorite people out in the throng of people at tonight’s party. It feels like I’m living in some kind of dream scenario.
I am currently in Nicolette Gwen’s bathroom. No big deal, she’s just the biggest pop star in the world.
Knox paid for the whole family to fly out to Los Angeles on a private plane. He put us up at the famous Sunset Marquis and earlier this evening we all attended the Grammys and were there when the Hollow Knocks won record and album of the year. We followed that up with a fancy after-party before ending up here at Nicolette’s house with the likes of Josh West and other members of the Hollywood elite.
I’ve been sipping my champagne slowly all night, trying to keep my wits about me, so I don’t miss a thing. It’s doubtful I’ll ever be here again, and I would kick myself if I forgot even a second of it. Knox is beyond drunk, and I hate to think he’ll forget anything about this special night in his life, but he’s a big boy and not my problem.
I reapply my lipstick, give my cheeks a pinch and do a half turn to see the back of my sequined black gown and my bare back. It’s simple, and though it looks like it’s painted on me, the material is light and flowing and easy to move in. My hair is in a messy on purpose up-do, leaving my neck exposed. I’ve never seen myself all glammed up like this. These days, I spend my life studying in sweats and interning in scrubs.
I look good.
I feel good.
“Maybe I’ll meet the man of my dreams when I walk out of this bathroom.” I chuckle to myself. I laugh because it’s been a while since I’ve had any kind of man in my life. I’m too busy and when I get to escape school and go home, it’s all the same people I grew up with. Tonight, I’m not back home, or at school, or working. I’m living in fantasy land, and you just never know what might happen.
A girl can dream.
And a girl could use a little sexy fun in her life.
Ready to meet my prince charming in a sea of famous faces who want nothing to do with the small-town girl here as a plus one to a famous person’s sister, I open the door just as Knox is reaching for the handle. He falls across the threshold, but I put my arms out to stop him from falling on his face.
“Whoa, big guy. Looks like you’ve had a bit too much to drink.”
My hands press against his black tux shirt. He’s gained a bit of his composure, shuffling his feet closer to mine, shutting the door behind him. But I’m still holding him up.
“Knox, I don’t think you need my help to take care of your business. I’m gonna let you do your thing.”
Knox McKinnon, my best friend's big brother, one of the most famous, most beautiful men alive, is staring at me in an unfamiliar way. His long dark brown hair is pushed behind his ears, putting his high cheekbones, golden eyes, and tan skin on display. I’ve never felt attracted to Knox, but he’s also never been this close.
“You havin’ fun tonight?” he asks, his voice low. Seductive.
“I am. Thanks again for including me.”
“I’m glad you came.” He moves closer, a light in his intoxicated gaze and a slight lift to one side of his mouth.
This is so strange.
“God, Goof, when did you get so beautiful?”
“What?”
